ODE with time lag

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We can build a population growth model based on the following hypothesis:

$$\frac{dN}{dt}=\text{births}-\text{deaths}$$ $$\text{births}=aN(t), a>0$$ $$\text{deaths}=bN(t), b>0$$

We can find its solution:

$$N(t)=N_0e^{(a-b)t}$$

Aside from whether or not it is a good idea, the hypothesis about the births can be replaced by the following:

$$\text{births}=aN(t-p), a>0, p>0$$

The differential equation becomes:

$$\frac{dN}{dt}=aN(t-p)+-bN(t)$$

Can the solution to this ODE be written in closed form?

I know basic calculus.